Our Story
Liv Well Wild School has been a dream of Kristin’s since becoming a mother in January 2022. Inspired by her daughters, every step of this journey has been rooted in the desire to give children joyful opportunities to learn and grow in nature.
With experience in both public and private school settings, Kristin has combined her background as a licensed educator with her instincts as a mother to create a seasonal, part-time enrichment program that reflects her belief in curiosity, play, literacy, and connection as the foundations of early learning.
Our Mission
At Liv Well Wild School, our mission is to nurture the whole child through a seasonal, nature-rich enrichment program that sparks curiosity, creativity, and connection. Rooted in the rhythms of the outdoors and guided by best practices in early learning, we provide children ages 3–5 with meaningful opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, and developmentally at their own pace while honoring their individuality.
Through exploration, storytelling, and hands-on discovery — woven with early literacy experiences and a focus on phonological awareness — we cultivate a joyful love of learning that builds confidence, communication, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Meet the Teacher
Kristin Ilkin, the founder of Liv Well Wild School, is a devoted early childhood educator with a deep passion for nurturing young minds and a heart for reimagining how children learn. With over a decade of experience working with children from preschool through fifth grade, Kristin has made it her mission to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that honor each child’s individuality.
A graduate of Robert Morris University, Kristin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Literacy, and certification as a Reading Specialist and Structured Literacy Interventionist. She began her career in traditional school settings—teaching in public and private schools across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania—but soon realized that many young learners thrive best in environments that foster movement, curiosity, and real-world exploration.
Kristin’s growing desire to offer families meaningful, nature-rich experiences for their children inspired her to create Liv Well Wild School — a seasonal, part-time enrichment program for ages 3–5. Each cohort emphasizes outdoor exploration, child-led discovery, social-emotional growth, and hands-on projects that spark wonder while supporting early literacy and foundational skills.
Whether teaching in the classroom, mentoring new educators, or guiding play-based learning in nature, Kristin brings warmth, structure, and intention to everything she does. Her strength lies in connecting with each child as a whole person and creating safe, joyful spaces where learning feels natural and exciting.
In addition to her educational work, Kristin has also coached youth, high school, and collegiate women’s lacrosse, using her leadership skills to inspire confidence, teamwork, and resilience in young women.
Kristin lives in Severna Park, Maryland, with her husband Clay and their two daughters, Olivia (Liv) and Josie. As a mother and educator, she is deeply committed to creating learning environments that reflect the values of compassion, creativity, and lifelong curiosity.